MAGF: A NEW METHOD FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE FOCUSING OF UNCHARGED AND HYDROPHOBIC ANALYTES

摘要

A new method for analyte focusing is demonstrated that can be used for concentration and separation of analytes based upon their affinity for a micellar phase. The method works by producing (through the application of a temperature gradient) a gradient in the retention factor of a hydrophobic analyte into a micellar phase. This new method, which we call micellar affinity gradient focusing (MAGF), is the first microfluidic method that can be used for focusing and separation based upon analyte properties other than electrophoretic properties. It combines the affinity-based separation of micellar electrokinetic. chromatography (MEKC) with the advantages inherent to focusing methods.